Canada, Let's Paddle Together

I’ll never forget canoeing in Banff and dragon boat riding in Singapore. In a canoe or dragon boat, everyone must paddle in sync. Even one person out of rhythm, and the boat drifts, spins, or barely moves. Strength alone isn’t enough—progress requires unity. That lesson on the water mirrors Mark Carney’s recent speech: Canada must paddle together, not against one another, to rebuild its economy and secure its place as a global leader.

Too often, our national conversation is dominated by harsh words aimed at the government. Criticism has its place, but constant attacks weaken us. They erode trust, stall progress, and leave the country standing still while the world moves forward. We can’t afford the same cruelty we see in other countries, where division and distrust tear communities apart. Canada’s strength has always been our ability to face challenges together—and that spirit will determine our future. We see the risks of division playing out even at home, with renewed separatist sentiment in Alberta. At a time when Canada needs every province pulling in the same direction, talk of breaking away is deeply concerning—Alberta’s energy, talent, and economic strength should be helping propel Canada forward, not pulling us apart.

Rebuilding the economy is not the work of government alone—it is a shared responsibility. Governments set direction, but people generate momentum. Businesses invest. Workers innovate. Families, schools, and communities create the culture and support that make progress possible. Regardless of political affiliation, we must hold each other accountable while paddling in the same direction.

Now is the time to move from criticism to contribution. Stop throwing harsh words at the government. Start helping rebuild the economy—at every level. Governments, schools, families, businesses, and communities all have a role to play. For me, that means mentoring students, supporting local businesses, volunteering at community events, and encouraging civic engagement. But it can also mean learning new skills, supporting green initiatives, fostering innovation, or helping students prepare for future careers. Small, everyday acts—from teaching children to care about their communities to helping a neighbor—add up to national momentum.

Canada has succeeded before because we chose solidarity over division. We built public healthcare, weathered economic storms, and earned international respect through cooperation, competence, and compassion. Our diversity is a strength. People from different backgrounds, experiences, and regions contribute unique ideas, energy, and perspectives that make our country stronger. When Canadians work together, we are not just resilient—we are influential. From that position, we can help other nations rebuild socially and economically.

At the heart of this moment is a truth worth repeating: “Canada thrives because we are Canadian.” Not because of one party, one leader, or one ideology—but because of shared values rooted in responsibility, cooperation, inclusion, and the common good.

Carney’s speech is both a challenge and an invitation. Leadership starts at home. Progress requires unity. The choice is simple: keep paddling against one another—or paddle together as one nation. Yes, challenges are real—global instability, inflation, and social pressures—but Canada has faced adversity before and emerged stronger. If we work together, support each other, and commit to shared action, we can rebuild our economy, strengthen our communities, and secure a future in which Canada continues to lead on the world stage.

When Canada pulls together, we do more than rebuild an economy—we reaffirm our values, our resilience, and our role as a force for good in the world.One Canada. One future. Together.

Ann Evangelista is a non-partisan community member, Vice-Chair of Mabuhay District, Inc., serves on the board of various organizations—CEM (Caring for our Environment–MB), UPAA-MB (University of the Philippines Alumni and Associates), WTBA (Winnipeg Tenpin Bowling Association), The Legends Mixed Bowling League, a school trustee in Winnipeg School Division, and MSBA Regional Director.